by Shane Morgan
I lean over the wooden railing and stare at the calm water below, thinking again how I really want to travel and escape my issues. With my fears holding me back, it’s sad knowing that I’ll probably never have the chance to really see the world.
I’m worried about Mom, too. She won’t straight out tell me, but I know something’s wrong. She just doesn’t seem to love this business anymore.
That’s all I’ve deliberated on for the past few days, until now. Unexpectedly, my mind is drifting to Micah’s enigmatic blue eyes, the feel of his hand holding mine, and the way he peeked back at me without hesitation, as if I was worth a second glance. The funny thing is, Nate’s never stared at me like that.
THREE
Micah
I CAN’T BELIEVE it’s her, the girl from the park. Reign. I like that name. From the way she looked at me, it appears she did glimpse me that day but doesn’t quite remember. Anyways, I’m more curious about the way she was checking me out on the deck; like she was studying my physique with those gorgeous hazel eyes. They’re going to be hard to look away from.
Damn! That handshake was long. She didn’t want to let go. Or was it me? Yeah, more like I didn’t want to release that soft, tiny hand that fitted so perfectly in my grasp. Problem is Reign is the boss lady’s daughter. That means I have to keep my distance. Maintain a professional working relationship. That sucks.
Sitting down on the black cushioned chair inside Mrs. Aldridge’s matchbox office at the back of the restaurant, I can’t get over how hot Reign is, now that I had the chance to really look at her up close. I envision wrapping my fingers around the strands of her hair and kissing those pink, plush lips. She’d probably feel really good, too. Oh man. If I don’t get rid of these dirty thoughts of what I’d like to do with her out of my head, my attraction could cause a lot of trouble.
In no time, Mrs. Aldridge starts questioning me about my previous work experiences. I feel a speck of nervousness in my gut from her stern gaze. It’s the kind that intimidates the hell out of people with shit to hide. People like me. Regardless, I do my best to stay calm.
“Wow, you’ve traveled a long way; moving from Colorado to Illinois, and now to Rhode Island,” she says, skimming my resume. “Is that why you don’t mind working for just the summer? What about your previous job at this…uh…Chang’s Little Shanghai Restaurant? Any reason in particular why you left? It doesn’t look like you worked there for long, either; only a few months.”
I loosen the tightness in my throat and answer, “Well, I stopped working a few days ago because I was looking for a change. I like to travel, and Newport really appealed to me when I saw stuff about the city online.”
Mrs. Aldridge nods slowly in her understanding. “My daughter wants to travel, too,” she says. I try hard not to let the strange thrill of hearing that reflect on my face. “She’s mentioned it a few times. I guess most young people do.”
Hmm. I’d love a gorgeous travel companion like Reign. “That’s nice,” I hurry to say, stifling back my inappropriate thoughts. “Has she been anywhere yet?”
Looking at me as if I’m mad, Mrs. Aldridge widens her pale blue eyes and dips her head back. Then she glances down at my resume again and mutters, “No. She has a lot to deal with at present, especially getting through college and learning to make firm decisions about her future. No time to play around.”
“Oh, good for her. Is she gonna study travel in college?”
“No,” she answers dryly, her mind drifting a bit. “Reign decided to study business. That’s best for her, I guess.”
Something about her response unnerves me. But it’s none of my business. Why am I even asking the lady about her daughter? What the hell, Micah. You’re here for work.
When she pops her head up and looks me dead in the eye, my throat tightens once more. I have to be prepared for whatever other questions she has.
“It all seems fine to me. There’s no reason I shouldn’t consider you, and since I need someone at this very moment for our busy days ahead, I have no problem letting you start right away.”
Relief floods over me and I grin, because this is easier than I thought. I’m about to thank her for the opportunity when Mrs. Aldridge stuns me with something I haven’t considered until now.
“Do you mind if I run a background check? It’s mandatory for new employees.”
Shit! How did I not think about that at all? Oh right, my job at the Chinese restaurant in Georgetown was a no-questions-ask-just-do-the-work type of job.
I swallow hard before I ask in a low tone, “Even if it’s only for the summer?”
That must sound suspicious because she tilts her head to one side and studies me. “Well, yes. Is something wrong?”
“No,” I answer fast. “Nothing’s wrong. That’s completely fine.”
“It’ll be done in no time. Like I said, I’d love for you to start immediately. My other waitress won’t be back until after summer and it’s been hectic with only Aislin and Reign. Aislin has summer classes so she’s cut her hours back. I figure since you’re looking for temporary work then the job will be perfect for you, don’t you want it?”
“Yes…” The whole time she’s talking, my mind is still stuck on that stupid background check. When she runs it, not only will Mrs. Aldridge discover that I’m using Grams’ maiden name, she’ll learn that Micah isn’t my first name either.
Why can’t she be like my previous boss? Mr. Chang didn’t care about those things, only if I could keep up with his fast-paced business, and he paid me in cash. Hopefully she’ll do the same.
“So,” She breaks through my thoughts, sounding enthusiastic again. “Are you ready to get started?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say, getting up to shake her hand. “Thank you.”
She wedges one hand inside her pants pocket, gesturing me to the door with the other. Mrs. Aldridge leads me to the employees’ room where I’m given two uniforms and a locker. Then I follow her to the kitchen and she introduces me to her chef, Clark Fernandez. He’s around the same age as Mrs. Aldridge; mid-forties. Says he was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the states as a kid with his father.
Afterwards, I walk back to the employees’ room to change into one of the uniforms—black pants and white dress shirt with the restaurant’s name in blue over the shirt pocket. Then I saunter to the dining area where Mrs. Aldridge instructs me to help Reign place the utensils and center pieces on the tables.
She starts to head back to her office when suddenly the door opens and a frazzled-looking guy strolls in. Mrs. Aldridge makes a guttural sound, checks her watch, and then frowns at him. Without uttering a word, she shakes her head and marches off past the bar and around to the passage that stretches back to her office.
Dude releases the breath he’s been holding, strolls over to the bar, and puts down his small black bag. He doesn’t even bother with me as he steps past and heads around back, possibly to change into a uniform.
While setting down napkins and water glasses, I glimpse Reign at the corner of my eye. She isn’t being too discreet either, staring at me every so often. She still looks as if she’s trying to remember my face.
“Hey.” A raspy voice calls out from behind me.
I spin around to see a girl with boyish short blonde hair and a silver nose ring.
“Hey,” I reply.
Edging closer, she lifts her hand to shake mine as she introduces herself, “Aislin.”
“Micah,” I say with a half-smile. Her face remains serious as she reads me. Growing a tad uncomfortable, I ask, “Is there anything you need my help with?”
She shrugs. “I was just being courteous, unlike John.” She nods in the direction he went. “He’s the bartender. He can be a douche sometimes but it’s only because he’s going through some stuff.”
“It’s fine,” I say, because honestly, I don’t care.
Aislin turns around. Before going back to whatever she was doing, she peers over her shoulder and winks at me, sayin
g with a smirk, “You’re cute.”
“Thanks…I guess.”
She scampers off and I resume what I was doing before. Around noontime the restaurant starts to get busy. I’m taking an old couples order when some guy wanders in. He has an arrogant vibe about him. Aislin is closest to him from the door so I assume she’ll tell him to sit wherever there’s a vacant table.
Only, she glances behind at him, swivels instantly, and pretends like he’s not even there as she continues to focus on her table. He doesn’t look all too interested in her, either. If I didn’t know better, I’d say there is tension between them—the ‘we slept together last night and you didn’t even bother to call me’ kind of tension.
I’m about to walk over and guide him to a table but decide against it when he starts for the deck, seeming to have found the reason why he’s here: Reign.
Screw me. I definitely don’t have a chance now.
A cocky grin spreads across his face. It isn’t hard to figure out that he must be her boyfriend. She’s too gorgeous to be single. Walking over to Reign, he drapes his arms around her waist from behind and kisses her on the cheek. With no regards for the fact that she’s at work, he pulls her away after she pours a glass of water for a customer and tows her over to the railing.
Reign smiles awkwardly at him, as if she doesn’t really want him here. Interesting.
I observe them while making my way to the bar to plug in my customers’ orders. He never takes his hands off her. It makes me cringe somewhat. Then as if she senses me, Reign looks over and catches me staring. Oops. I drop my eyes fast and put in the orders. That guy probably noticed too. Whatever. He has nothing to worry about; I’m not a girlfriend stealer. Still, for some reason, I feel bothered by that kiss and the way he rests his hands on her hips like he’s staking his claim. Territorial prick.
FOUR
Reign
“WHO’S THAT GUY?” Nate asks me, eyeing Micah with suspicion.
“New employee,” I answer. “Why? Are you pissed I have so many hot guys around me?”
He scoffs. “Not in the least. Just haven’t seen him before. Anyway, I know you only have room from me. So, are you coming by Lucas’ tonight?”
I search my head for what he’s talking about. Seeing how lost I am, he reminds me, “It’s his birthday. He’s throwing a party, remember?”
“Oh, right. That. Um…I don’t know Nate, the restaurant closes at ten. By then I’ll be pretty tired.”
He wrinkles his brow, seeming appalled by my excuse. “I’m sure your mom can let you slip away earlier if you tell her it’s for me. Sophia loves me as your boyfriend, right? Besides,” He has a sneaky grin on his clean-shaven face. “I’ve been looking forward to it ‘cause I was hoping we’d sneak out of the party and spend the night at my house.”
That’s a no-no. I’ve known Nate since junior high school but we only started dating two months ago before graduating. I’m not ready to take our relationship to the next level.
“I’m sorry,” I say, “Even if I get the chance to come tonight, I don’t know if I want to sleep over—”
“Oh jeez, I’m not insinuating anything, Reign,” he laughs short then kisses me lightly on the forehead. “It’s okay. I just wanted to hang out with you alone, since you’ll be working for most of the summer and I’m busy with my stuff, too. We aren’t even going to the same college in fall.”
I lower my gaze to the half empty jar in my hand. Nate lifts my chin and sticks the loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Hey, it’s fine. Don’t look so worried.”
Gazing into his brown eyes, I smile as I say in the nicest way possible, “You should go, I’m working. I’ll ask Mom about later, okay?”
Nate briefly runs his thumb across my bottom lip and nods. “Cool. See you later then.” He says it confidently because he knows I’ll show up at Lucas’ house later. That’s me. Always trying to keep him happy because I have to work extra hard to make up for the fact that I won’t sleep with him, at least not until it feels right.
Twisting away from me, Nate starts to head out. I watch as he strides for the exit, steps outside, hop inside his Porsche and drives away. He’s upset. I can tell he is no matter how he tries to put up a front that he’s fine with waiting.
Not sure why, but for a passing second I glance over at Micah before bringing the jar back to the bar to refill it with water. He was watching me and Nate earlier and his reaction seemed odd. If anything, he appeared…disappointed. I walk around to the kitchen to check on my table’s order when Mom comes up to me in the passage.
“What’s up?” I ask innocently, fearing she saw Nate leave.
“I’m gonna drive over to the shop to see your father for a minute. Will you at least change into a uniform before it gets really busy? I mean, look at Micah,” She nods in his direction and I slant and take in his appearance. “Even he changed into my uniform. Set an example and do the same.”
“Okay, Mom,” I smile, more so out of relief that she didn’t see Nate after all.
Her lips curl into a satisfied grin. I can see wrinkles at the corner of her pale blue eyes as she beams at me with pride.
Then I remember Lucas’ party and how Nate really wants me to come. “Um, Mom, is it okay if I head out an hour early so I can go to Nate’s cousin’s birthday party tonight?”
Her smile falters as she considers this. Letting out a long gush of air, she answers firmly, “No. You leave the same time as the others. How is it gonna look to Aislin, John, and Micah if I let you out earlier to go party? I don’t think so, Reign. You get off at ten. End of discussion.”
I bite down on my bottom lip, fuming as she pats my arm and continues toward the exit in a nonchalant way. There is nothing I can say to protest this, because even though I want to be a good girlfriend and make an effort for our relationship, I also don’t want to disappoint my parents. Mary wouldn’t. And since she’s no longer here because of me, I have to take her place and be the obedient daughter.
FIVE
Micah
BY CLOSING that night I’m beat. I carry out one last bag of trash, change into my jeans and t-shirt, and then start out for the night. As I walk into the main dining area, I spot Mrs. Aldridge and John at the bar going over some papers. Aislin is on her way out. She waves back at me before she steps outside.
“Thanks again, Mrs. Aldridge,” I say before leaving.
They look up at me and she smiles in an approving way. “Good job today, Micah,” she says. “It’ll just be you and Reign for most of tomorrow morning. Aislin starts in the afternoon, so it’s great that you can manage when it gets busy.”
“Yeah, man. Good work,” John adds. It’s the first thing he’s said to me all day.
“Thanks. See you both.”
I pivot and step out the door, just in time to see Reign climb into the passenger side of the red jeep that picked her up at the park the other day. I start up the street, hurrying to catch the next trolley in the square.
A second later I hear a honk. I slow down as the jeep pulls up next to me. The fiery red head driving flashes me her pearly whites, wets her lips and eyes me up and down in a flirtatious way.
“Hey there, cutie,” she says.
“Hey.” I stick my hands inside my pockets.
Reign leans forward in the passenger side and asks me, “You want a ride home, Micah?”
I shake my head. “Nah, it’s all right. I’ll just hop on the trolley.”
“Nonsense,” The red head counters. “Take the free ride and save your money. I don’t mind, really.”
“Ah…” I look up the road. In any minute now the trolley will take off.
“Come on, cutie,” she pleads. “I won’t bite…much.”
Reign slaps her arm. “Leave him alone.”
She giggles and gestures toward the backseat. “Hop in. I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
I should refuse, get on my way, but there’s a part of me that wants to make friends, and another part
that’s wildly attracted to Reign even though I warned myself against it. Besides, the trolley is starting to leave now so I might as well accept.
“Okay. Thanks.” I open the backdoor and hop on the seat.
“No problem. Where ya going?”
“Thirty Pelham Street.”
“Cool. It’s Claudia, by the way,” she adds, swerving back onto the road.
“Micah.”
“I know...” She stretches the ‘w’ in a slow and sultry way. Only, I’m not interested. “So, where are you from?”
“How’d you know I’m not from around here?”
Claudia laughs. “You just told me.”
I scoff, feeling silly to fall for that.
“Where are you from?” This time it’s Reign who’s asking. Her voice is like silk; smooth and skin-tingling. She watches me in the rearview mirror as she waits for my answer.
I stare into it and reply honestly, “Colorado.”
Claudia brakes at a stop light. “Wow. You came all the way from Colorado?” She sounds surprised.
“I think it’s cool,” Reign remarks, glancing out the window now. She murmurs, “I wouldn’t mind going that far, even further.” The last part she says more to herself.
“Why Newport?” asks Claudia. She makes a left when the light switches to green.
I shrug. “I don’t know, just wanted to give it a try.”
“Are you usually like that?” Reign ask, her gaze penetrating me in the rearview again. I tilt my head and watch her eyes, trying to figure out the story behind them.
“Something like that,” I tell her. She steadies her gaze on me, as if she’s trying to unravel me. I don’t look away. If anything, I like it. It’s like she’s challenging me.